2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals, creating a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar that gave the Tucson a floating roof appearance. At the rear, the Tucson sported toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, except in the base model, helping it stand out among compact SUVs. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and a spacious dashboard design that enhanced the sense of roominess.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform shared with the larger Kia Sorento, was longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom. Its styling was bold, with angular LED headlights and "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, giving it a unique face. The Sportage Hybrid LX came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while other models had 18-inch wheels. The interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a minimalist design that contrasted with the Tucson Hybrid's cabin. The Sportage Hybrid offered SynTex artificial leather upholstery, which felt somewhat cheap, but the steering wheel was wrapped in real leather. The SX-Prestige trim featured gloss black plastic trim and silver metallic finishes, though these materials were prone to fingerprint smudges and glare.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain delivered 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was more fuel-efficient, achieving 37 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined. The Tucson also offered an all-wheel-drive option, standard on the hybrid model, which performed well in off-road testing. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid used a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base LX trim had standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available, while the EX and SX-Prestige trims were AWD-only. The Sportage Hybrid offered smooth and predictable acceleration, with a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The transmission was well-tuned, providing smooth shifts and quick responses. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version. While not a driver's car, it offered a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, though the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson offered ample passenger and cargo space, with more rear-seat legroom than the RAV4 and more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. Its 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area was comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and it featured a 60-40 split-folding rear seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid had slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version but remained competitive in its segment. It offered more front-seat headroom than the CR-V and RAV4 hybrids, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom tied with the Tucson Hybrid. The Sportage Hybrid featured a dual-level cargo floor, providing 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior made good use of space, with a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones, and clever cupholders. The center console storage bin offered decent space as well.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tucson also featured a digital instrument cluster, satellite radio, and Blue Link mobile app compatibility. The touch controls on the center console were responsive, but the narrow steering wheel controls were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model had a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige offered a panoramic display combining the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, though Android Auto didn't utilize the entire screen. The Sportage Hybrid also had touch controls for audio and climate, with analog knobs for volume and temperature. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai offered a comprehensive warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. The base LX trim included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The SX-Prestige trim offered advanced features like Remote Smart Parking Assist and a blind-spot view camera. While competitors offered similar features, the Sportage Hybrid's advanced tech set it apart.